By Baraka John
The Commissioner of Mvolo County, Ruben Amai Majok, has officially defected from the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In Opposition (SPLM-IO) and pledged allegiance to the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In Government (SPLM-IG), marking a significant political realignment in Western Equatoria State.
Majok made the announcement Friday at the SPLM state secretariat headquarters in Yambio, citing disillusionment with the SPLM-IO leadership. He accused the party, currently under the interim leadership of Stephen Par Kuol, of being “confused, problematic, and tribalistic,” particularly in its operations within South Sudan and Western Equatoria.
“SPLM-IO is a confused, problematic and tribalistic party in South Sudan and Western Equatoria in particular. Allow me to fully declare the office of the county commissioner officially under the responsibility of SPLM IN Mvolo County, Western Equatoria and the Republic of South Sudan at large”. Amai stated
The defection follows a major political development: the appointment of James Altaib, a member of the SPLM party, as the new governor of Western Equatoria State. President Kiir made the announcement on Thursday, further consolidating SPLM-IG’s influence in the region.
Majok was initially appointed as Mvolo County Commissioner in 2024 by President Kiir under the SPLM-IO ticket, replacing John Kumdi. His shift in loyalty is being viewed as a blow to SPLM-IO’s already diminishing presence in Western Equatoria.
Welcoming the defection, Acting Governor Daniel Badagbu and the acting SPLM State Chairperson praised Majok’s decision and urged him to work toward unity and peace.
“And what we want you to do is that, you have come to rejoin the SPLM today, come on board to work for the unity of the people of South Sudan, work for peace for the people of South Sudan, become an ambassador of peace”. Acting SPLM party chair stated
Manase Doboi, the SPLM Party Secretary in Western Equatoria, also commended Majok’s move, noting that it reflects a broader trend in the county.
“Because yesterday they message delivered from Nzara that Nzara is now fully SPLM, that is a good news. Mvolo County, in which honorable commissioner came from, all the members of SPLM-IO declared their allegiance to the SPLM”. Manase disclosed
The development is expected to further reshape the political landscape of Western Equatoria as South Sudan prepares for its long-awaited national elections, scheduled for 2026.